Sustainability Assessment of Community-Based Water Supply Systems in Madi Rural Municipality, Kaski, Nepal

Abstract

Access to safe drinking water remains a major public health challenge in many rural communities in Nepal due to the premature failure of community-based water supply schemes. This study explores the sustainability of community-based water supply systems in Madi Rural Municipality, Kaski District using both field observation methods and interviews with key informants. Out of 168 identified water sources, 45 schemes were within their design period, and among these 45, only 11 sources were selected for detailed assessment. The results present that technical, institutional, and social factors play a vital role in the influence of the water supply system’s sustainability. Weak institutional capacity, inadequate financial resources, and insufficient operation and maintenance contributed to the poor performance of several schemes. The protection and conservation of sources were identified as major challenges, where no assessed schemes provide water treatment before distributing to the community. Although most physical infrastructure remained in satisfactory condition, institutional and social weaknesses continued to undermine long-term functionality. These findings highlight the need to strengthen local governance, financial management, source protection, and water quality management to enhance the sustainability of community-based drinking water schemes in rural Nepal.